U.K. Has Had Six Prime Ministers Since 2016

Six people have held the office of U.K. prime minister since 2016, including one who served for 45 days. The frequent changes have occurred under rules that allow political parties to replace their leaders without a general election. Voters elect members of the House of Commons.

The leader of the party that wins the most seats normally becomes prime minister. Parties can remove that leader at any time if enough members withdraw support.

Britain held a referendum on European Union membership in 2016. David Cameron, who had promised the vote, resigned after voters chose to leave. Theresa May took over and attempted to negotiate the withdrawal. May stepped down in 2019 after failing to secure parliamentary approval for her Brexit plan. Boris Johnson replaced her and completed the formal exit from the EU.

Truss became prime minister in September 2022.

Her government proposed large tax cuts that contributed to market instability. She resigned after 45 days. Rishi Sunak succeeded Truss and served until July 2024. Labour won that year's general election, and Keir Starmer became prime minister. Starmer's government has faced internal party criticism and poor results in recent local elections.

Two potential challengers have signaled they may seek the Labour leadership. Under current law, the next general election must occur by August 2029.